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ITV Report

25 July 2014 at 2:26am

Royal childhood treasures go on display at palace

This rocking horse was given to Prince George by US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Photo: PA

Gifts given to the royals when they were children, like this rocking horse presented to Prince George by the Obamas, are just some of the star attractions in a new childhood exhibition unveiled at Buckingham Palace today.

The items are part of a collection of well-loved toys, treasured family presents, photographs and tiny outfits belonging to nine generations of royal children.

This sailor suit was worn by Prince William at the Duke and Duchess of York's Wedding. Credit: PA

George celebrated his first birthday on Tuesday and soon after he was born US president Barack Obama and wife Michelle sent the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a blue Alpaca wool baby blanket.

It will feature in the display alongside the handmade rocking horse, which has the presidential seal on its saddle, and a polo mallet with a head made from the branch of an oak tree that once stood in the White House lawn.

The prince's christening gown - a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter in 1841 - will also be on display.

This miniature caravan was given to Prince Charles and Princess Anne by the Caravan Club when they were children. Credit: PA

Various toy cars, tractors and tricycles ridden by royal children can also be seen, including the ultimate young boys' toy - a scaled down version of James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 sports car.

This Aston Martin DB5 was presented to a six-year-old Prince Andrew. Credit: PA

The exhibition starts from 1763 when the oldest item on display, a silver rattle, was presented to an infant Prince George, later George IV.

A pair of red velvet fur lined boots worn in the 1840s by Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, when he was a baby. Credit: PA

It also paints an intimate picture of the Queen as a child growing up and later as a mother herself, enjoying private moments with her own children.

Touching family home-movie footage will show the Queen and her sister Princess Margaret as young girls playing.